We are offering a six-week course on tropical ecology in Biological Station Un Poco del Chocó for biology students. Besides biodiversity and conservation, particularly the ecology of the Neotropics will be theme of the course. While studying the ecology of selected organisms, students gain an understanding of scientific investigation methodology. In addition, of gaining biological-ecological knowledge, the aim of the course is to prepare for future academic studies (bachelor, master etc.).
The course is structured as follows:
1. Introduction
The course starts with a theoretical and practical introduction. The tropical ecology of South America will be presented both in lectures and during trips into the rainforest.
Particularly interesting topics will be presented by the students as short reports. Furthermore we will do two excursions on the topic “Nature Tourism and Conservation in the Tropics”. Depending on their interests, at the end of the introduction phase the students choose a research topic for their project.
2. Data collection
The students can work individually or in groups of two on their project.
During this part of the course the participants will learn how to plan a scientific research project and how to collect data. For further analysis it is important to organize data and put them in the computer after each day in the field (Excel).
3. Analysis
Data will be analysed both by descriptive and analysing statistics. Charts will be created for the presentation.
4. Presentation
The results will be presented to the other participants. Afterwards the results and their possible interpretation will be discussed in the group. Additionally a summary in publication style shall be
written in order to add to the station’s library.
Courses 2011
Summer Course I (18.07.-26.08.2011)
Apply before 31.05.2011
Summer Course II (29.08.-07.10.2011)
Apply before: 30.06.2011
Price per person
$ 1.650
The price includes transportation from Quito to Biological Station Un Poco del Chocó ,lodging and food for six weeks, on-site transportation, two excursions (incl. entry fees) and the utilization of the station’s equipment and literature, as well as scientific support.